For Blackened Redfish, go with Creole Coleslaw, Creamy Rice Pilaf with Fennel and Dill, Garlic Fried Rice, Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan, and Skillet Cornbread.
Creole Coleslaw pairs well because it adds richness that rounds out the plate.
For a lighter option, try Skillet Cornbread. Skillet Cornbread is a lighter option if you want something less heavy on the table.
We did too.
Finding that perfect side dish is like picking the right Netflix show on a Friday night-it's got to be just the right blend of flavors and vibes. Standing in the kitchen, redfish ready, and just scratching our heads.
The goal? To keep your dinner guests-or hey, just yourself-coming back for more.
We've gone through more side dishes than we'd like to admit.
Some were hits. Some, well, not so much.
Our kitchen disasters could fill a book. But we won't bore you with tales of soggy vegetables or oddly spicy rice that seemed like a good idea at the time.
Instead, we're here to share the winners.
The sides that made our blackened redfish dinners legendary. Or at least that's what our friends say.
Ready for a ride through flavor town?
7 Best Side Dishes for Blackened Redfish
As a popular dish in Cajun food culture, blackened redfish is a delicious way to enjoy different types of fish.
Blackened redfish is also the name for dishes that use this method to cook any meat.
While blackening only requires a high temperature and spices, some side options can be served to make it even more juicy.
With the rich spiciness of blackened redfish, some that go well with it are milder side dishes.
With its rich spices permeating the meat, you will want to make sure your side dish compliments rather than overpowers this delicate flavor.
Here's a detailed answer with a table comparing the key characteristics of the 7 best side dishes to serve with Blackened Redfish:
| Side Dish | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Creole Coleslaw | Tangy and spicy, provides a refreshing and zesty contrast to the blackened fish |
| Creamy Rice Pilaf with Fennel and Dill | Rich and aromatic, goes with the flavors of the blackened redfish |
| Quick Fix Baked Beans | Sweet and smoky, adds a comforting and flavorful element to the meal |
| Garlic Fried Rice | Savory and fragrant, offers a tasty and satisfying accompaniment |
| Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan | Bright and savory, brings a fresh and bright side dish to the meal |
| Skillet Cornbread | Moist and slightly sweet, adds a classic Southern touch to the meal |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and comforting, pairs well with the bold flavors of the blackened fish |
Here is a closer look at each side dish in more detail:
1 - Creole Coleslaw
It's always nice to have a good coleslaw recipe on standby.
This one is different from the traditional creamy coleslaws because it has some more involved elements, but it still has that cool and crunchy texture that makes coleslaw so appealing.
The ingredients may seem odd, but the cayenne and horseradish make it spicy to go with the blackened redfish.
Coleslaw is also a side dish that can be prepared ahead of time and makes itself well in a refrigerator set.
You can either prepare this coleslaw as a traditional recipe with green cabbage or use purple cabbage for a visually appealing side dish.
2 - Creamy Rice Pilaf with Fennel and Dill
This rice pilaf adds an interesting twist to the typical white-rice side dishes.
It has a slightly sweet taste brought out by the fennel bulbs.
Also, instead of using butter or cream in the pilaf, it uses milk and cornstarch to give it that creamy texture.
The dill gives it its unique flavor, which works well with any side dish that has a strong savory element.
And although this rice pilaf isn't as difficult as some of the more detailed dishes, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container for up to three days.
This recipe is great for those who enjoy their side dishes with a little more color, as it's visually pleasing.
It also goes well with seafood or meat that's somewhat lighter in flavor.
3 - Quick Fix Baked Beans
This is the perfect dish to serve alongside fried catfish or any other type of fried fish.
The sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup compliments the rich flavors of fried fish.
It is also a simple dish to make and doesn't require much more than opening some cans and measuring out some ingredients.
This recipe can be done in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for those weeknight dinners when you don't have much time to spare in the kitchen.
And it's not only great with seafood - this baked beans recipe goes well with ribs and steaks, too.
4 - Garlic Fried Rice
This is such a simple side dish that
However, it's a great accompaniment to any fish and is also very easy to make.
Garlic fried rice isn't as greasy as your typical fried rice and has more flavor than plain white rice.
It can be served either hot or cold and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days - making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time.
This fried rice is best served warm and well with any savory seafood dish.
It also can help you get rid of those last few bits of rice in the fridge.
5 - Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
If you don't already have a go-to roasted asparagus recipe, this one is a good place to start.
It has the most common ingredients - lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt/pepper - but some unique additions make it stand out from the rest.
The asparagus is first boiled for a few minutes to soften it slightly before being roasted in the oven, making it tender and juicy.
This adds a depth of flavor that you typically won't get with plain roasted asparagus.
This recipe is great because It taste delicious, but it looks gorgeous, too.
It's a dish that would work well at any dinner party or get-together because it takes under 20 minutes to prepare.
6 - Skillet Cornbread
It may surprise you to see cornbread on a list of side dishes for seafood, but this one is worth adding to your recipe arsenal.
The green onion and cheese addition gives it a little bit of an unexpected kick that goes well with any fish dish.
This recipe couldn't be easier to make - the dry ingredients are combined in one bowl, while the wet ingredients are combined in another.
They're then mixed and poured into the skillet before baking at 350° for approximately 20 minutes.
It's incredibly simple but also extremely tasty.
This cornbread is best served hot out of the oven and goes well with fish that has a mild flavor or no flavor at all - like catfish.
7 - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Although mashed potatoes are typically considered a side dish with meat, they're also a good addition to any fish dish.
The garlic and cream cheese add a richness that goes well with the mild taste of redfish.
This recipe is really easy to make - it takes as little as 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
You could serve them as-is or top them with fresh chives for even more flavor.
The garlic mashed potatoes are best served warm and well with any mild fish dish.
They're also a great accompaniment to steak if you want to mix it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creole Coleslaw is the most popular choice because it goes with the flavors and textures of Blackened Redfish without overpowering the plate. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. Creole Coleslaw handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option. It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.
Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily. Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.
Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.